… As Buhari vows to eliminate all forms of violent crimes***
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, says the Federal Government is winning the war against terrorism in the North East Zone of the country.
The minister said this in an exclusive interview with the newsmen in Abuja.
He recalled how some communities under full control of the insurgents before 2015 had been reclaimed by the Federal Government through what he described as relentless efforts of the military and other security forces.
The minister attributed the successes recorded to the various morale boosting efforts of the Federal Government in addition to acquisition of new military hardware.
The newsmen report that the Federal Government has taken delivery of 10 Super Tucano fighter jets, with additional two expected by the end of October.
“There is no doubt about the fact that government is winning the war against the terrorists.
” A few years ago, when we came in in 2015; of the 20 local government areas in Borno, about 13 were under effective control of Boko Haram.
“On Dec. 5, 2015, we travelled to Bama, Konduga, Kaure and Maiduguri.
” The distance from Maiduguri to Bama is about 78 kilometres, but no single vehicle on the way. It was like a suicide mission.
” The week after we left, a commander was killed on the same route.
“When we got to Bama, of the over 6,000 houses in Bama; not one was standing. They have all been bombed by Boko Haram.
“Today, go to Bama and see for yourselves. And when we went in 2015, you couldn’t travel more than a few kilometres outside Maiduguri metropolis.
“So, there is no doubt in my mind that we are winning. And if is further evidence; thousands of insurgents that are surrendering speak volumes.
“We were in Maiduguri two weeks ago for another very successful town hall meeting where all stakeholders were in attendance like the traditional rulers, the military, police and CSOs.
” The governor confirmed that the heightened assaults and attacks by the military in the theatre had led to the surrender of many insurgents.
“And again, the military has recently acquired more platforms and these are making life difficult for the terrorists.
” That’s why any time they make attempt to come in, they are being repelled fiercely.
” There is no doubt in our minds that the Federal Government is winning the war, very very much’’ he said.
The minister explained further that the fierce confrontation being faced by the terrorists in the North East had pushed them to the North Central region to join forces with bandits.
He, however, gave an assurance that military onslaught would continue until total peace and stability were restored in all parts of the country.
“In some places, the activities of Boko Haram and bandits have dovetailed.
” This is because of the pummeling they are receiving from the military in the North East, they are moving toward parts of North Central.
” And here they are linking up with bandits, so there are some handshakes of some sorts.
“It is just like if you displace water, it will flow somewhere so that’s what is happening.
” But the military is aware of this and I can assure you that in the next few days; that also will be history.
” The military is doing its best and we are not giving up at all,’’ he added.
In the meantime, President Muhammadu Buhari has again promised to eliminate all forms of violent crimes across Nigeria.
He said in Kaduna on Saturday that the administration will continue to do everything within the ambit of law to stamp out heinous crimes creating fears among the citizenry.
The President gave the assurance during the Passing Out Parade of 68 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
Buhari said: “As you are aware, our beloved nation Nigeria, is facing many security challenges at this period.
“We continue to face security threats and violent crimes such as insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and politically motivated killings which threaten our national integration.
“It is pertinent to state in this regard that, we have received new equipment in our fight against any form of insecurity from our friendly countries.”
Buhari stated that these assets will be deployed to accelerate the fight against insecurity in all parts of the country.
He also explained that, in the international scheme of affairs, security has also assumed a priority in governance and public policy.
“It is against this backdrop that we introduced a new Landing Ship Tank early this year to replace the first set of naval ship tanks which were decommissioned by the Nigerian Navy.
“The introduction of the Landing Ship Tank is expected to bolster the Navy’s Sealift capability and promote our global maritime commerce.
“The action will also bolster peace and safety within the Gulf of Guinea and our maritime neighbourhood,” he added.
Buhari also said,” our government will not be distracted from achieving the main thrust upon which we were elected, which is addressing the issues of insecurity, corruption and the economy.
“As part of a long-term strategy for a more effective and sustained war on corruption, this administration is poised to eliminate the incentives for corruption by addressing some of the remote causes of corruption.
“Through, smart law enforcement, provision of improved access to education that prepares our youths for global competitiveness.
“Also through the provision of quality health services for improved life expectancy, decent and affordable housing, among others.”
Buhari said that all these were being done in partnership with the relevant organized private sector.
“It is the conviction of this administration that ineffective policies for social provisioning must be redressed in our efforts to tackle the fundamental causes of corruption in our society.
“This is how best to give vent to the much-cherished values of fairness, equity and justice to the people of this nation,” he said.
The president emphasized that for Nigeria to be peaceful, prosperous and democratic, to attract foreign investors, the citizens must be law abiding, committed and promoters of peaceful co-existence.
“This is a collective responsibility which will definitely yield the Nigeria of our dreams.”
To the graduating cadets, Buhari said: “The world which you are entering is very different from that which confronted many of your predecessors.
“The contemporary security environment has been described as violent, uncertain, complex and ambiguous.
“Therefore, expect that the missions that you will be tasked to undertake will be similarly complex.
“Beyond these significant rationales, I am convinced that we have a real stake and an abiding self-interest.
“This is in making sure our children and our grandchildren grow up in a world where school children are not kidnapped and where individuals are not slaughtered, because of their tribe, faith or political beliefs.”
Buhari appreciated the parents for their support to the cadets.
“Your support for them has not only allowed them to succeed today but will help them to flourish and grow in the coming years.
“Officer Cadets, my hope is that each of you has a rewarding career, full of opportunities and challenges, which will sometimes stretch you to your limits.
“Though we continue to live in an ever changing, chaotic, unpredictable world, your training here will stand you in good stead to meet whatever lies ahead.
“It will also help you navigate through good times and hard times, happy times and sad times.
“So, remember to draw on the valuable lessons you have learned here.”
The newsmen report that the high point of the event was the presentation of awards to cadets who distinguished themselves in academics and training.
Newsmen also reports that a total of 260 cadets were commissioned into the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
